Method and apparatus for forming joints



ROBERT TENIPLE J R.

INVENTOR.

BY CM 1-115 ATTORNEY.

Dec 15, 1936. R. TEMPLE, JR. 2,064,129

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING JOINTS Filed Dec. 8, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 fl q. 5 1 1 q. 7 v

Lg. E ROBERT TEMPLE, JR.

I v 6 INVENTOR 63 46 HIS ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec, 15, 1936 This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming joints betweenpriginally sepaf rated members and relates more particularly to a method for joining pipes, tubing, casings, rods, '5 wires; and the like, through the application of pressure created by the explosion of a confined explosivecharge.

- In my Patent Nos. 2,Q0.3,843 and 2',b3c,so3,=1 de- I scribed a numbefi of. embodiments'of an explosively actuated po'wer pres's for bondingwires,

cables, rods and the like, said press including a 5 structure having complemental die elements, one o'fsaid elements being movable relative to the other, and a piston adapted to engage the movl5. able element with a powerful blow, the explosion of an explosive charge being employed to actuate Z the piston. To employ the device, the terminals of the wires, cables or other materials are inserted in the opposite ends ofa'cylindrical sleeve or coupling having a longitudinal bore" therein of substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the wires. The coupling is then inserted between the die elements, and, upon actuation of the piston, the coupling and the wirescontained therein are compressed into one solid mass which forms'an intimate bond and an electrically feet connection between the two wires.

Q In thepreferred method of carrying out the in-. vention, as is illustrated in another application, 30 Serial No."562,574, relating-more particularly to precise construction 61 the coupling, the movable die element isprovided with a plurality of offset or male portions, which, when they come in contact with-the sleeve under an impact blow, form a series of flattened areas on the upper surface i of said'sleeve, and, likewise deformthe wires conper-.

tained therein, thereby giving the coupling added tensile strength.

The present invention is directed to certain changes and improvements in the explosively ac,- tuated press and is directed more-particularlyto the method of forming permanent joints, espec ia1ly.in pipes, tubes, casing and the like: I

' The difliculties and expense of installing pipes of all 'kinds are well known and although most pipe comes in various standard lengths, it has been'iound-necessary to cut and thread much pipe in the field, the latter being either a laborious hand operation or an expensive field machine. '50 operation. It is also-virtually impossible by any hitherto known method to efiect a joint which will. remain pressure tight and water tight during the entire life of the pipe.

. ing a permanent and relatively perfect pipe joint, I the operation being carried out in a fraction of the time required for any'of the previous methods, D

and also at a negligible cost,

1 Another object of the invention is the provision 6 013' a method for joining pipes by the use of an explosively actuated compression device, in the operation of which there is no appreciable noise or recoil and wherein, although the diameter of theterminals of the pipe may be reduced by a 10 fraction of an inch by virtue of the tremendous compression thereof, the structureot the metal, although slightly changed, is nevertheless unweakened.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved explosively actuated com-' pression device for carrying out the aforesaid method as well as for joining cable, wires, rodsor other similar articles.

To this end the method comprises-the steps of inserting the terminal portions of the pipes to be joined within the opposite end portions of a sleeve or coupling having a longitudinal bore therein of such diameter as to closely fit thepipes. In many operations it is not of any great importance '25 whether the sleeve be made of the same material I as that of the pipes nor even that it have the same -coefllcient'ofrexpansion. For instance, a copper .sleeve serves very well with iron pipe. It is de-' sirable, however, have'the sleeve of metal hav- 3o ing a lower coefiicient of expansion than thepipe. The sleeve is then inserted within the complemental die elements of the aforesaid explosively. actuated press. Each of the die elements are de-' sirably of substantially the same length as the lengthof the sleeve, the die elements being formed with'complemental longitudinal semi-circular or,

other shaped grooves ,which, when the adjacent" surfaces of thedie elements come together, form a perfect circleor other desired shape. The totaf 40 diameter of the circle formed by the difi elements "should be slightly less than the diameter of the undeformed sleeve. Thus, when the explosive charge is detonated and the die elements are,

moved together, the sleeve is firmly compressedqs about the pipe, causing'a perfect and permanent bond, all after.

Another object of the invention isthe provision as will be explained more in detail hereof the method for the joining of pipes ortu'bes 5o which are under tension, 'wherein virtually the full strength of the pipes will be preserved and wherein increased tension of the pipes creates a One'of theobjec'ts of the present invention is the provision oi an improved method for erfectmoreperfect joint.

Another object of theinvention is the provision ly actuated means wherein there is'an absence of noise and recoil by virtue of confiningthe explosive gases after the detonation.

In the drawings:

Fig. l'is an exploded view illustrating the various elements employed in carrying out the method.

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the die elements and the pipe and sleeve before the latter have been compressed.

Fig. 3 is similar to Fig. 2, but shows the relation of the parts after the sleeve and pipe have been compressed.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation, partially in section,

of one of' the improved explosively actuated presses employed in carrying out the herein described method of pipe joining. A

Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 55 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a broken section of a part of the device, showing one method of retarding the initial movement of the piston of the apparatus until the explosive gases have built up a predetermined pressure.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal vertical section taken through the die elements and the sleeve and pipes, illustrating the preferred method of pipe joining in cases wherein the pipes are under tension or under exceedingly high pressure.

Fig, 8 is a broken longitudinal section taken through the completed joint wherein thesleeve has been placed within the pipes.

Fig.' 9 is a diagrammatic view showing one means of multiplying the pressure in cases wherein pipes of large diameter are bonded.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken substantially through the center of a C clamp type of compressing device.

Fig. 11 is a transverse horizontal section taken on line Il-H of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a transverse horizontal section taken on line IZ- -IZ- of Fig. 10.

Fig.l3 is a broken section showing another method of retarding the movement of the piston until the explosive gases have built up a substantially maximum pressure.

The herein described method of joining pipes, tubes, casings. and the like is illustrated generally in Fig. 1.. The two terminals of the pipeP are inserted within the ends of a sleeve S having a longitudinal bore therein of such diameter as to closely fit the pipes, the latter meeting midway between the-ends thereof.

-The sleeve and the pipes are then placed between die elements A and B having complemen- ,tal, longitudinalgroovesG therein,='the total diameterof the complemental grooves slightly less than the external diameter of the sleeve. The 'dies, ;which are desirably of the same length as the length of the sleeve, are then brought forcibly together-under the impulse created by a confined explosivecharge, thereby effecting a permanent bondbetween the sleeve and the pipes.

It isdesirable, although not essential, in carrying-out this method that the perfect round of the pipes be preserved after the joint has been completed. since by employing the quick compipe P and the interior of the sleeve S are perfect rounds. The exterior of the sleeve is, however, flattened on opposite sides as at F. The coinplemental longitudinal grooves in the dies likewise constitute a perfect round having a diameter somewhat less than the external diameter of the sleeve. If desired, the grooves may be formed with cutting edges as at C to prevent the formation of fins on the sleeve after the compression thereof. When the sleeve is inserted within the grooves prior to the compression, the dies are separated a short distance and there is also a space between the upper and lower surfaces of the sleeve and the adjacent portions of the die.

The dies are now moved forcibly together under the impulse created by the explosion of a confined explosive charge with the result that the sleeve has become a substantially perfect round of slightlyless diameter than originally and the pipes have likewise been uniformly compressed. I

Whereas only round pipes are illustrated in the drawings, it will be appreciated that the same method may be employed for joining pipes, tubes, rods and the like, of any conceivable shape. I

The several types of apparatus which may be employed in carrying out the invention will now be described. In my earlier patent, to wit, No. 2,030,803, previously mentioned, I described a device having complemental die elements which are normally separated, and between which the.

work to be compressed is placed. The lower of these die elements is stationary, and the upper or movable element is separated from the lower end of an'explosively actuated pistonby means of a small, shear pin. This shear pin retards the initial movement of the explosive gases until the latter have built ,up a substantiallymaximum pressure at which time the shear pin collapses, thereby bringing the piston into forcible engagement with the movable die. This arrangement has been highly satisfactory, particularly in cases wherein exceedingly high pressures were This apparatus which is, illustrated in Figsf and 5,'includes a substantially'cylindrical frame l0 having a longitudinal bore ll therein in which a piston I 2 is accurately fitted. This piston is likewise cylindrical in shape and is closed at its lower end as indicated at l3, and is provided with a longitudinal bore l4 extending downward]; from its upper end. The upper end of the bore H in the frame is formed with a seat indicated at I5. A'barrel l6 having a relatively wide annular flange I! at its upper end resides in this seat 15, said barrel through the bore Id of the passing downwardly-i piston. The barrel is 75 further provided with a longitudinalaperture l8 having a seat l9 at its upper end for the reception' of the head 20 of aconventional blank cartridge 2|.

The frame 10 is closed at its upper end by means of a cap 23 which is provided with threads 24 which engage the externally formed threads 25 at the upper end of the frame It, said upper end being of slightlyreduced diameter. The threads 24 and 25 are. rupted orv gun breech type which are adapted to secure the cap in place by a one-quarterturn. The cap 23 is further provided with extending portion 28 having a concave depression 29 at its upper end, and a vertical bore 30, the lower half of which is reduced as at-3I. Withinv this aperture, a firing pin 32 is positioned, and is adapted for longitudinal movement therein. The lower end of this firing pin engages the detonating cap of the cartridge 2|, andwhen itis desired to actuate the device, the firing pin is tapped at its upper end with a small hammer, thereby detonating the explosive charge.

It is well known that exploding gases expand equally in all directions, and in theinstant device there is a complete absenceof recoil due to the fact that .the explosive gases are confinedwithin the explosion chamber after the explosion has taken place, In a few' seconds thereafter, the gases are condensed, leaving only a small trace of moisture within the explosionchamber. This confining of the gases is effected by providing an accurate fitting between all of theparts of the device, particularly between the barrel and the piston, between the flange at the upper end of the barrel and the seat in which it resides, and between the cartridge and the breech element.

After each actuation'ofthe device, the joined pipe must, of course, .be removed from the apparatus, and for this purpose, thesframe is. provided with a vertical slot 36 extending from the upper end thereof to its lower wall which is deslgnated as 31, all as shown in Fig. 4. Thus after the cartridge has been detonated, the cap 23 is removed, as well as the barrel, the piston and the die. The pipe slot 36. 1

The lower die element 38 rests'upon the upper surface of this lower wall 31 and is held in place by means of 'a small pin or dowel 39 which passes into an aperture 40 in the lower surface of said die element. The upper die element 4| is carried at the lower end of the piston by means of aslot 12. formed inthe piston which receives a dovetailed projection 43 formed in the upper surface of the dle.

As previously stated, in my earlier patents, .a substantial stroke is provided for the piston, and the initial movement thereof is retarded until a substantially maximum pressure of the explosive gases havebeen built up. In'the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4 and5, however, no substantial stroke .is provided, and the effect is more one of rapid compression or squeezing. In joining ipes of larger diameter, however, it may beund expedient to provide a 'stroke ire order to Secure a greater compressing effect, and accordingly the press may be modified to provide 'a suitable retarding device, the one shown in Fig. 6

havinggivenexcellentresults. -In this instance, a

any desirable portion of the frame I is formed with an aperture 46 having a reduced portion 41 at its inner end, the opposite end of the aperturehaving threads 48. A headed-pin 50 is posi-- preferably of the interan upwardly is then moved upward through the tioned within the aperture and is urged inwardly by means of a compression spring which is i held in place by means of a screw plug 52. The inner end of the pin is rounded as at 53 and resides in a depression 54 in the. piston when the latter is in its starting position. By providing a compressionspring of suflicient strength, the pin is capable of retarding the initial movement of the piston .until the explosive gases have built up a predetermined maximum pressure, at which time the piston moves at a tremendous velocity, thereby giving a far more powerful blow.

I In the method just described, both the external surfaces ofthe pipes and the internal surface of the sleeve are smooth which is satisfactory in virtually all cases wherein the pipe is used as a fluid conduit. In the event, however, that the pipe is under tension or under exceedingly high pressure, it is desirable, to employ the method illustrated in Fig. 7.

- In this instance, -.the complemental grooves in the dies A'iand B are formed with two or more annular recesses 60 which are desirably arcuate in cross-section. Thus, when the dies are brought forcibly together, there is formed on the'outer surface of the sleeve annular ridges BI, and there 'is further: formed on the external surface of the pipefthe ridged portions 52 which closely fits the recess on the inner surface of the sleeve. It will be obvious that as tension is applied to pipes, the joint will become the more firm by virtue of the pressure exerted between these oflset portions.

- By way. of modification, the complemental grooves in the dies may be formed with annular ridges rather result.

thanrecesses with much the same forming a plurality of annular grooves in the outer surface ofthe pipe terminals previous to the joining operation, or even by merely roughening this surface, since under the tremendous compression of thedies the inner surface of the sleeve will be forced into intimate contact with all of these non-smooth portions.

The internal sleeve construction shown in Fig. 8 illustrates a further modification in the method of carrying out the present invention. Pipes are .used to a. large extent in' the construction of household articles such as beds and chairs, f as well as for many other purposesi In these instances, it is highly desirable to make the-joint as neat and invisible as possible, and to effect this end the sleeve S is inserted within the terminals of the pipes 'and the dies A and B brought together as previously described, resulting in what appears to be a weld, except, of course, for the slightly reduceddiameter of the pipes. By judiciously'tapering the end portions of the grooves in the dies, this depression can be rendered large- 1;; invisible.

In the event that pipes or other articles of large diameter are to be joined, the toggle principle of multiplying the pressure illustrated in-,.Fig. 9 is employed. In this instance, instead of connect- 'ing the piston directly with the movable die A, thepiston X moving within the cylinder Y is connectedwith a piston rod R which isoperatively joined at its opposite end to the links L, the lower one of which is pivotally connected with the movable die A. Thus, it is'possible to secure the exceedingly' high pressure required to join large members without constructing a machine of unwieldy size.

The C clamp embodiment of the compressing device illustrated in Figs. 10 to 13 inclusive, al-

though not structurally as stron'gas the previous embodiment, by virtue of its providing support lower die supporting portion H and outwardly flared side portions 12 to provide additional strength, and is formed with a longitudinal aperture 13 having a threaded portion 14 at its upper end. The piston I5 is of substantially the same shape as the piston in the preferred embodiment, and is of such external diameter as to accurately fit the bore or aperture 13 in the frame. The piston is further provided with a central aperture or bore 16 extending downwardly from the upper end thereof.

A plug 1'! having an externally threaded portion 18 is positioned within the threaded portion 14 at the upper end of the bore 13 in the frame, said plug having a downwardly extending or barrel portion 19 accurately fitted within the bore in the piston, and is further provided with an upwardly extending externally threaded portion 89. A longitudinal vertical aperture 8| extends from the upper to the lower end of the plug, said aperture having a seat portion 82 at its upper end to receive the flange of the blank cartridge 83. The breech element 84 is formed with an internally threaded recess at its lower end which engages the threaded portion 80 integral with the plug, said breeching element having a concave depression .85 on its upper surface and a longitudinal aperture 88 with areduced portion 81, the firing 'pin 88 being positioned within this" aperture. Each time the deviceis to be actuated, the breeching element is unscrewed, a blank cartridge inserted in' the aperture 8l,.and the element returned to its place.

The lower end of the piston is formed with a transverse dove-tailed slot 99 which receives the integrally formed dove-tailed portion 9| on the upper surface of the upper die-92. The upper surface 93 of the lower die supporting element 1| is =provided with a retarding mechanism illustrated concave and supports the lower die 94 which is held in place by .means of a pin 95 extending into an aperture 96. To insert the pipe in the device, the upper die 92 is first removed to admit said pipe and the sleeve between the-opening of the frame, after .which the die is returned to its place.

This embodiment of the compressing device'is in detail in Fig. 13. At any suitable point in the with a small vertical slot or barrel portion of the frame an aperture 91 is formed, said aperture having a reduced portion 99 at its inner end and an enlarged threaded portion 99 at its outer end. A cylindrical plug I89 having a bore ml is secured within the threaded portion of the aperture 91, said plug having positioned therein a compression spring I92. A shear pin I03 is positioned within the reduced portion of the aperture, said pin being urged inwardly by means of' the spring I02.

The external surface of the piston is formed elongated aperture I04, the upper end of which is engaged by the inner end of the shear pin detonation occurs the initial movement of the piston is retarded until the explosive gases have built up a sufiiciently high pressure to sever the end of the shear pin. The length of the slot I04 I03. Thus, when the stroke required of the piston. In the normal pipe joining operation, this stroke is desirably very short.

After the length of the shear pin has been sufflciently reduced it is removed and a new one inserted in its place.

It will be appreciated that the hereindescribed method and apparatus may be considerably modifled without departing from the invention. For instance, three or more dies having complemental grooves may be' employed instead of two dies, as shown in the drawings, particularly in cases wherein larger pipes are being joined. In these instances, any suitable means may be used for actuating the movable dies at the same instant. Furthermore, the dies may be formed in any desired shape; depending upon the shape of the work to be compressed. In many instances, also, a substantially uniform pressure on all parts of the work will not be required, and in these cases the work may be merely deformed in suitable areas.

What I claim is:

- 1. The method of bonding pipes and the like which consists in inserting the terminals thereof into a sleeve having a longitudinal bore therein of substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the pipes, placing the sleeve between a plurality of dies having complemental grooves shaped to flt the exterior surface thereof but of slightly less diameter than the diameter of the sleeve, and then compressing the sleeve between the dies under the impulse created by the explosion of a' confined explosive charge.

2. The method of bonding pipes, tubes, rods, wires and like members which consists in inserting the members into a sleeve and then compressing the sleeve around at least part of the members by means of dies acting under the impulse created by the explosion of a confined explosive charge.

3. The method of securing originally separated members together which consists in placing the ends thereof in telescoping relation with a cylindrical sleeve, and then applying substantial-,

ly equal pressure to the external surface of the telescoped parts bymeans of dies acting under the 'impulsecreated by the explosion of a confined explosive charge.

' 4. 'lihe method of joining pipes and the like which consists in inserting a sleeve intothe adjacent end portions of said pipes, and then compressing the pipes around said sleeve by .means of dies acting under the impulse created 'by the explosion of a confined explosive charge.

The method of joining tubular members which consistsj in inserting the terminals of said members intoa cylindrical sleeve having a longitudinal bore therein, then placing the sleeve in complemental grooves in a pair of dies, and

then compressing the sleeve between said dies under the impulse created by. the explosion of a. confined explosive charge.

6. The method of joining originally separated members together which consists in inserting the terminals thereof within a sleeve having a longitudinal boreth'erein of substantially the same size and shape as the exterior surface ofthe member, then placing the sleeve between complemental dies and moving said dies forcibly together under the impulse created by the explosion of a confined explosive charge.

7. The method of joining tubular members which consists in inserting the ends of said members within the end portions of a sleeve I 2,064,129 having a longitudinal bore therein of substan tially the same diameter as the diameter of the sleeve and causing the terminals thereof to meet substantially midway between the ends of having a longitudinal boretherein, an apertured piston slidably supported within said bore, a

barrel member positioned within saidpis'ton and being supported at the upper end of the frame, said barrel member having a longitudinal bore to receive an explosive charge, the'lower end of the bore communicating with the aperture in the piston, a movable die element'associated with the lower end of said piston, and a station ary die element positioned at the lower end of the frame.

9. A compression device comprising an' aper-' tured piston having an explosion chamber at the 0 lower end thereof, a frame for supporting said piston, a cylindrical member passing, into said piston and having a detonation chamber communicating with said explosion chamber, complemental die elements supported in said frame,

and adapted to receive work therebetween, one

of said die elements being operatively connected with thepiston. v

10. A compressing device'comprising a frame having a longitudinal bore therein, a longitudinally apertured piston positioned within said bore, the upper end of said piston being' open and the lower end thereof being closed, a cylindrical member supported at the upper end of the frame and extending downwardly into said extending the full length thereof, an explosive chargeficarried at the upper end of said bore and being adapted, upon detonation, to drive said 'piston downwards, a-movable die element 0 carried atthe lower end of said piston and a stationary die element supported 'at the lower end of the frame.

11. The method of bonding pipes and .the like which consists in inserting the terminals there 5 of into a sleeve having a longitudinal bore therein of substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the pipes, placing the sleeve between -a plurality f dies having compleniental grooves shaped to fit the exterior surface thereof but 0 of slightly less diameter than the diameter-of the sleeve, and then compressing the sleeve between the dies under the impulse created by'the explosion of a confined explosive charge, the,

compression betweenthe dies being multiplied by toggle means. 4 v 12. A compressing device comprising a frame, atransmission member movably mounted within and by 'the frame, said transmission member having an explosion chamber therein, means fixed to the frame and-positioned slidably within said explosion chamber to receive an explosive charge, and means operable upon the explosion of the charge for retarding the initial movement of the transmission member until a prebuilt up determined maximum pressure has been built up behind the transmission member.

.13. A compressing device comprising a frame, a piston movable in said frame, slidably supported thereby in substantially gas tight relation, and

having a cylindrical longitudinal aperture therein extending downwardly from the upper end thereof, a cylindricalmember having a longitudinal'aperture therein slidably but in substantial gas tight relation positioned within the piston and being supported at the upper end of the frame, means within said member for receiving an explosive charge and complemental die elements, one of .which is movable by said piston.

14. A compressing device comprising a frame, a plurality of die elements positioned within the frame-and means for moving said die elements together under the impulse created by a confined explosive charge, said means comprising a piston longitudinally movable within the frame, and in substantially gas tight relation therewith a. member'positioned slidably within the piston but in substantially gas tight relation therewith and supported at an end of the frame, means within said member for receiving an explosive charge to act upon the piston and means operable upon the explosion of the charge for retarding the initial movement of the piston until a substantially maximum pressure has been built up behind the piston.

- '15., A compressing device comprising a frame,

. a plurality of die elements positioned within the frame and means for moving said die elements together under the impulse created by a confined explosivecharge, said means comprising a piston longitudinally movable within the frame, a member positioned within the piston and supported at an end of the frame, means within said member for receiving an explosive charge to act upon the piston and means for retarding the initial movement of the piston after the charge has been de tonated until the exploded charge has built up a substantially maximum pressure, said means comprising a spring pressed member in the frame, j piston, said cylindrical member having a bore the piston having a recess to receive said member. 16. A compressing device comprising a frame, a plurality of die elements positioned within the frame and means for moving said die elements together under the impulse created by a confined explosive charge, said means comprising a piston longitudinally movable within the frame, a member positioned within the piston and supported .at an end of the frame, means within said member for receiving an explosive charge to act upon the piston and means operable upon the explosion .of the charge for retarding the initial movement of the piston until a substantially maximum pressure has been built up by the exploded charge, said means comprising a spring pressed member in theframe, the piston having a recess to receive said member, a-shearable member positioned between the frame and the piston.

17. In combination a frame having a cylindrical bore, a cup-shaped piston slidably received in the bore in substantially gas tight relation therewith, a cylindrical member fixed to the frame and extending into the interior of the cup shaped piston and having-a. substantially gas tight seal therewith while permitting movement of the piston, said member having a longitudinal apermounted in 'the frame for sliding gas tight movement therein, means carried by the frame and sealing between the interior'surface of the piston and the frame during movement'of the piston whereby a double seal between the frame and piston is provided, means for subjecting the back 10 side of the piston" to the forces of a detonated charge of explosive and means on the frame n alignment with the piston movement to transmi the piston movement into useful work.

19. The method of bonding pipes, tubes, rods, wires and like members which consists in inserting a member into a.' sleeve, and then compressing the sleeve around at least part of the member by 

